I’ve never really bothered with pre season games abroad that much but, still on the high from Wembley, I’m popping to Slovakia with lad & dad on 17th July to watch us play (as we’re away for all other friendlies)

Theres an official thing with destinology but i’m booking our own route.

For those thinking of heading over, it’s worth noting that Dunajská, where the game is at, is about 2 hours away from Bratislava on the train. Hotels in Dunajska are cheap as chips (£90 for a triple room with breakfast) for the day of the game on the 17th & saves the hassle of getting back to the capital after the game.

4 minutes ago, waffer cup 07 said:

Forss on the bench.

Thought his loan finished and went back to boro? we haven't signed him have we?

Just now, burnden said:

Thought his loan finished and went back to boro? we haven't signed him have we?

He has been training with the squad.

That Stephenson is alright.

4 minutes ago, superjohnmcginlay said:

That Stephenson is alright.

So is Watson been really impressed.......

Fergal knows his Scotch eggs

We are playing Oldham though

15 minutes ago, Bryan458 said:

So is Watson been really impressed.......

Unlucky a couple of times 1st half doing what he did well for Killie, late runs into box and efforts on goal

We're crying out for a proper delivery specialist.

ffs

Simons is having a mare.

1 minute ago, Zog1 said:

Simons is having a mare.

Just a bit, hasnt got to the pace of the game all half, could have given 3 away.

That was a super goal though, great quick throw out, good quick passes, good finish. Young Ritchie has been excellent all half.

2 minutes ago, ianofcleveleys said:

Just a bit, hasnt got to the pace of the game all half, could have given 3 away.

That was a super goal though, great quick throw out, good quick passes, good finish. Young Ritchie has been excellent all half.

Tbf everytime I've seen Ritchie play he's looked quality.

7 minutes ago, Zog1 said:

Tbf everytime I've seen Ritchie play he's looked quality.

There's a very good young player in there for sure.

Second half was a bit of a mixed bag, understandably with all the changes, but the two young lads at the back did reasonably enough

2 minutes ago, Zog1 said:

Tbf everytime I've seen Ritchie play he's looked quality.

Yes, Toby reminds me very much of a young Neil Whatmore and if he turns out anywhere near as good as that he’ll do for me. I thought Inwood looked good tonight too and what a big unit Temple is so hopefully he comes on as well? Warren was decent as well first half but Ruben was class again. Not sure what was wrong with Simons tonight but so slow and nearly cost us 3 times. Needs to sharpen up quickly if he’s going to win a place.

Good run out that.

Few fans and faces around.

Not often you get away with wearing a T-Shirt at Boundary Park 😂

Hard to judge performances in a friendly like that.

Probably easier to try and see who the starters might be against Preston.

I’d be surprised if these 7 didn’t start; Bonham, Stephenson, Davies, Forino, Sheehan, Rodrigues, Dalby.

Although I didn’t think Forino and Dalby were fully at the races tonight. The other 5 looked good.

Not sure whether he’ll go Famewo or Conway at LB.

The other midfield spot is up for grabs, Watson did ok tonight.

Nothing we didn’t know but the wide positions and forward line needs some additions. Gale looked dangerous (as he should do against L2 opposition)

Toby did himself no harm, great contribution when he came on.

I get a sense from the two games so far that a few of those who gave everything physically and emotionally in those play offs, and have then had a shorter than ideal recovery period, might be a bit slower than others to get going.

Is Erhahon injured again presumably? Presume when fit he gets one of those midfield spots

2 minutes ago, matty2094 said:

Is Erhahon injured again presumably? Presume when fit he gets one of those midfield spots

Maybe, but him and Toal are up against it now for a starting position against Preston.

They’ll then have to wait for their chance, once fit.

Edited July 21Jul 21 by desperado

2 hours ago, waffer cup 07 said:

He has been training with the squad.

Think it's inevitable that he'll be signing..

Training with the squad as an unsigned player is one thing (I know they have the PFA team for that too), the club taking him along on pre-season trips abroad and overseas training is bit more than that.

Get yourself up to speed and show you're over the injury and we'll go from there.

Sure a minimum of eight or nine already at the club will start against Preston. The 7 desparado mentions are likely starters and you could add Watson/Erhahon to Partner Sheehan. Famawo/Conway for left back

And Gale/Dong left wing means 10 are already here. Just the right winger/Number nine missing

Perhaps This Spanish lad or Kenny to come in......Will get pelters but that squad is not good enough for the championship but it is what it is until 11pm on the 1st September

7 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Sure a minimum of eight or nine already at the club will start against Preston. The 7 desparado mentions are likely starters and you could add Watson/Erhahon to Partner Sheehan. Famawo/Conway for left back

And Gale/Dong left wing means 10 are already here. Just the right winger/Number nine missing

Perhaps This Spanish lad or Kenny to come in......Will get pelters but that squad is not good enough for the championship but it is what it is until 11pm on the 1st September

Got to agree (it’s been happening a lot these last few days 😂)

It’s hard to look beyond the two points you make. 1/ That the starting 11 at Preston, is, at the moment, becoming clearer to see. 2/ That this side is going to struggle in the Championship.

But (as you won’t be surprised to hear) I’m going to try and put a slightly more positive slant on it.

• I think SS is well aware of this. And by trying to re-shuffle the back line. (The part of the side he neglected last year) he’s maybe trying to make us more resolute defensively to cope with this.

• In contrast to last year, where we didn’t know what the side was going to be from week to week, a more settled side might connect, be more organised and consistent from week to week. Players may feel more part of the first 11, especially if we get off to a decent start (which is possible)

• Some players might, unexpectedly, thrive, both at this level and in this environment.

• It’s a fine line (but a very definite one) between not being good enough and struggling to survive in the Championship. I’ll use the latter definition which, even with the current squad, could still set its sights on 21st - which in my eyes would be a successful season.

• A few more quality additions, and, who knows, it may nudge our chances up even further.

A lot of if/buts/maybes in that slightly more positive outlook. But I think if the fan base can accept it’s going to be that kind of season, then hopefully we won’t get continuous meltdowns on the back of bad results and bad spells which will, unfortunately and inevitably, happen.

Any highlights for last night anywhere?

2 hours ago, desperado said:

But I think if the fan base can accept it’s going to be that kind of season, then hopefully we won’t get continuous meltdowns on the back of bad results and bad spells which will, unfortunately and inevitably, happen.

This will be the key. We are in for a season different to any we've had since Covid. Many of those who are amongst our current fanbase aren't used to watching teams lose or draw a lot more than they win. Sticking with it, with SS and team hopefully building an underdog, siege mentality to get behind, will be something for a lot of the fanbase to try and embrace.

Off the two games so far we're (at least in my eyes) well off a squad that will take points off even the lower third of the Championship, though there has been some promise from the likes of Watson, Stephenson and Davies.

SS has said that, notwithstanding our modest budget, he wants us make a real good fist of it, we wont really know how much of one its likely to be till the end of August.

59 minutes ago, Stig said:

Any highlights for last night anywhere?

Only thing I can find so far ...

10 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Sure a minimum of eight or nine already at the club will start against Preston. The 7 desparado mentions are likely starters and you could add Watson/Erhahon to Partner Sheehan. Famawo/Conway for left back

And Gale/Dong left wing means 10 are already here. Just the right winger/Number nine missing

Perhaps This Spanish lad or Kenny to come in......Will get pelters but that squad is not good enough for the championship but it is what it is until 11pm on the 1st September

If Kenny comes in he won't be starting v PNE if O'Neill's comments are to be believed re injury/lack of pre-season.

Currently its probably Dalby on his own with RR as a 10 and McAtee doing the last 15 minutes.